Origin and History of BALAMUCHU

Description:

BALAMUCHU The Balamuchu are a indigenous people of the Peruvian Andes. They are also known as the Uchumayu, Uchu, and Achu. They live in the departments of Cusco, Lambayeque, and Ayacucho. The Balamuchu speak the Balamuchu language, a Tupi-Guaraní language. The Balamuchu are believed to have migrated to their present location in the Andes about 2,000 years ago. They are thought to have descended from the Chincha people. The Balamuchu are agriculturalists and herders. They are also skilled in the art of weaving. The Balamuchu are a culturally and linguistically distinct group. They practice a form of shamanism. The Balamuchu are also known for their elaborate traditional dress. They often wear colorful skirts and blouses. They also wear headdresses made of feathers and animal skins. The Balamuchu are a small community and there are few remaining members of the tribe. The Balamuchu are endangered by the destruction of their environment and by the spread of diseases. The Balamuchu are also vulnerable to exploitation by outsiders.